• Blue Shield of Northeastern NY : Has withdrawn their Community Blue HMO 203 plan effective January 1, 2005. If you are currently enrolled in this plan you will have to re-select a new plan in the month of November for a January 1, 2005 effective date.

• Blue Shield has made a few changes to the Community Blue HMO 205 plan. If you are currently enrolled in this plan then please note that these changes will occur automatically effective 1/1/05. There will be a $500 In-patient Hospital copay, a $500 deductible for out of network services and the prescription coverage will change to 50% copay. If you are currently enrolled in the “plus” option, then your copay will be $10 for primary care visits and $40 specialist visits. If you do not have the “plus” option your copay will be $20 primary care & specialist visits. If you would like to elect the “plus” option then you must submit a new enrollment application with this election. If you are currently enrolled in the Community Blue 205 plan and do not wish to remain on it, you may re-evaluate all of the plans offered by the Columbia County Chamber and choose a different plan or carrier in the month of November for a January 1, 2005 effective date.

• Blue Shield has implemented a higher rate for Sole Proprietors beginning January 1, 2005. If you are a Sole Proprietor and are currently enrolled in a Blue Shield plan this rate will apply to you.

• CDPHP: Now offers two AvidCare HMO plans to choose from. Significant changes have been made by CDPHP for the AvidCare Base Plan. Please see article outlining the specific changes.

• GHI HMO: No changes to the plan for 2005. As before, you may elect the Value Plan $20 with or without the prescription drug coverage. Please note that the rate for the Value Plan $20 without Rx and Vision is slightly lower than previously published. For specific rate information please contact Erin Nevins at 518-244-4322.

• MVP: Now offers two HMO plans, the Coplan $20 remains the same without change and the new $25/$40 plan.

• Guardian: There are no plan changes for 2005

• Davis Vision: Will no longer be offered effective January 1, 2005.

Existing Chamber Members : If you have been a Chamber member longer than 30 days (60 days for Sole Proprietors) and did not enroll in any of the plans, you may enroll only during “open enrollment periods,” which occur in November with an effective date of January 1, and May with an effective date of July 1.

Please keep in mind that coverage for new employees is effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Otherwise, new employees must wait for the next open enrollment period.

For any questions regarding open enrollment, plan changes or other health insurance benefit issues, please contact Erin Nevins of Rose & Kiernan, Inc. at 518-244-4322 or by email (enevins@rkinsurance.com).